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Illinois Public Media

Ex-Indianapolis Councilman Faces Fraud Sentencing

A former Indianapolis City-County Council member faces sentencing on charges of using a charitable foundation to defraud an investor out of $1.7 million.

Fifty-three-year-old Paul Bateman pleaded guilty in January to 13 counts of money laundering and fraud. His sentencing hearing is set for Monday.

Partner Michael Russell pleaded guilty to fraud charges and was sentenced to more than four months in prison.

An indictment alleges the Democratic councilman and others used a charitable foundation to obtain money that was to be used for investments, but instead used it for vehicles, entertainment, jewelry and travel for themselves and others.

Prosecutors say Bateman used his public position to lend credibility to the foundation.

Bateman was a councilman for six years, leaving office when his term ended in 2011.